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BP Lawsuit

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill permanently altered the Gulf of Mexico, its environment, and the people who depend on the area for both living and economic reasons. After a blowout that caused an explosion on an offshore drilling rig, the spill was triggered off the coast of Louisiana. Eleven workers on the oil rig are missing and have been presumed dead. Seventeen other workers were injured in the explosion. The spill has covered more than 2,500 square miles of surface area.

From the initial leak until the pipeline was eventually capped, the spill was discharging an estimated five to 25,000 barrels of crude oil into the ocean every day. Most experts are expecting the oil spill to reach levels higher than any other oil spill in United States history, even higher than the famous 1989 Exxon Valdez spill. It is feared that an environmental disaster will follow this spill, since the oil is reaching the Gulf coast. The oil from the spill will likely affect fishing, tourism, and hundreds of bird habitats in Mexico.

In an effort to stop the leak, a large steel dome shell was placed over the main leak area. To prevent the oil from entering Louisiana wetland areas, the U.S. Coast Guard has also placed sand bags into the spill area. These and other cleanup efforts, plus the damage incurred by the spill, will probably total over $118 million.

The oil rig and oil field were both leased from Transocean Limited to BP. The U.S. government recently named BP as the primary responsible party for the spill. The government expects BP to pay nearly all of the costs for damages and cleanup resulting from the spill.

Persons affected by the oil spill, including fishers, shrimpers, and other businesses, should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Personal and small business rights are at jeopardy because of this disaster, and victims have a right to seek just compensation against those responsible for the oil spill. Residents and business owners in the following states should be aware of their legal rights to full recovery:

Alabama

Coastal Alabama's tourism industry, including those in Mobile, Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, is expected to be incredibly affected by the oil spill. Loss of income and property damage could be potentially massive. Commercial fishing, shrimping, and processing are also expected to be at harm. Very large amounts of crude oil will likely flow into Alabama's waters and beach fronts, potentially damaging the delicate ecosystem and killing many animals.

Florida

Beach front property owners, fishers, and processing companies in Florida are also likely to be harmed by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The travel industry in this area could also be devastated by the spill, since widespread reports of travel cancellations are already being reported by the tourism industries. Loss of revenue is sure to increase as the effects of the spill are determined. Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City are probably going to be the most affected regions in Florida, but other areas will see an impact as well.

Mississippi

Mississippi is well known for its fishing, shrimping, and oyster industry along the coast. The Deepwater Horizon's oil will soon meet areas like Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula and may harm the Mississippi industries as a result. Since the oil spill is relatively close to Mississippi and there is a projected 25,000 barrels per day being leaked into the ocean, it is only a matter of time before tragedy from oil occurs in Mississippi.

Louisiana

Louisiana is another state that has a great chance of being affected by the BP oil spill. Shrimping, oyster farming, and commercial fishing are huge industries in this area as well, and as a result of the oil spill, the industries are fearing revenue losses and depletion of natural resources. The location of the oil spill is closest to the Louisiana coast line with only 50 miles of separation and the result of the spill could be most devastating in this area. No one prepares for an oil spill of such proportion, so many businesses in Louisiana could see great financial losses. Due to the current economic times, and because the state government is also unprepared to deal with such a loss in tax revenue, even Louisiana citizens are most likely going to see a hit in government services because of the oil spill.

Seeking Legal Compensation

Just compensation will be determined in the courts at a later date, but there is no denying that BP will be required to pay for a variety of environmental, commercial, and residential damages. There will be a vast variation in the types of claims as well. Most common claims against BP will likely include damages for increased cost of public services, loss of revenue at the government and business levels, loss of earning capacity as a result of the environmental damage, personal property and real property damages, and loss of natural resources.

People Affected by the Oil Spill

Those who are affected by the oil spill are encouraged to contact a qualified attorney immediately. People who are in the damaged class could include commercial fisherman, oyster farmers, shrimpers, seafood processors and packaging, dock and marina owners, and commercial/private boat owners. City and state governments are also likely to be included in the damaged class of people. If you fall in any of these categories, contact an attorney now to make sure your rights are protected and your oil-related damages are recovered from BP.